Osteoarthritis Care Lags in Consistent Support,National Association Says
Sundsvall,Sweden – Despite growing access to early,basic treatments for osteoarthritis in Sweden,notable regional disparities exist in ensuring patients maintain sufficient physical activity levels post-treatment,according to the Rheumatics Association. A recent analysis of data from the Swedish Osteoarthritis Register reveals uneven access to ongoing support, hindering long-term benefits for many sufferers of the nation’s most common joint disease.
The call for improved, sustained support comes as Sweden faces a projected increase in osteoarthritis cases due to an aging population, rising BMI, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. While the national program area for business organs, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and related organizations have identified improvements in recent years – including wider availability of details on self-care and evidence-based treatments – the Rheumatics Association stresses that initial interventions are often insufficient.
“Osteoarthritis is still the most common joint disease in Sweden,” notes a recent commentary published in Sundsvalls Tidning. The standard treatment approach rightly prioritizes patient education, physiotherapy-supervised exercise, and weight management. Further steps include medication and assistive devices,with surgery reserved for severe,long-lasting cases.
However, Jan Gerhardsen, Chairman of the Rheumatics Association Sundsvall, argues that a single supervised gym session and informational leaflets are often inadequate. “Many people need follow-up and personal support,” he stated. “It is rarely enough…many need continuous support over time.”
The association advocates for increased access to supervised physiotherapy training, both in duration and availability, and for more equitable distribution of rehabilitation services and assistive devices across the country. Data from the Swedish Osteoarthritis Register shows a significant variation between regions in the percentage of patients achieving sufficient physical activity three months after completing basic treatment, highlighting the need for consistent, ongoing care.
The Rheumatics Association welcomes the progress made in osteoarthritis care but emphasizes that sustained support is crucial to maximizing the benefits of early intervention and improving the quality of life for those living with the condition.
